경기
:
국토연구원

Territorial Development < National Land DevelopmentSocial Development < Health

Holding

국토연구원

License

Abstract

Chapter 1. Introduction

Over the past few decades, Korea has experienced rapid economic growth and urbanization. This has made it possible to meet people's basic needs, in particular, for residential housing. Accordingly, a majority of the Korean people have become interested in enhancing their health and enjoying cultural life. This has led to a number of leisure activities becoming popular, such as trekking, cycling and exploring the Korean cultural heritage, which has been caused by the increase in income level and the coming of a five working day week Thus, there have been increasing demands on spaces for health, culture, sports and leisure activities using existing forests, rivers, beaches and parks. In this context, the idea of corridors for human health, culture and ecology (CHCEs) has emerged as a new concept to meet demands on various culture and leisure activities as well as to preserve ecosystems and green spaces. Thus, there is a need to set up comprehensive supporting systems and strategies for facilitating CHCEs. The purposes of this study are to conceptualize CHCEs and to consider a way of addressing relevant strategies. more specifically it aims (1) to suggest concepts of multi-purpose corridors for human health, culture and ecology in order to provide facilities for sports, culture and leisure activities, (2) to suggest a method for the setting up of corridors for human health, culture and ecology by conducting a case study, and (3) to present solutions and strategies relating to planning, institutional and political issues for the facilitating of these corridors. This study analyses the available resources, which can be used as corridors, in a systematic way at national, regional and municipal levels. In terms of methodology, this study carries out field trips, reviews overseas case studies and applies them to the present study areas. By carrying out fieldwork, it presents systematic strategies for facilitating different types of corridors. The focus of case studies in other countries in on describing the concepts and the types of corridors, as well as explaining a method for adopting a suitable option in selecting adequate corridors. Geographical information systems are used for this purpose in the case studies. This study also reflects the institutional and practical limitations identified in interviews with expert groups and administrative staff. In particular, the opinions of experts, which are derived from their experiences, are used to determine the routes and types of CHCEs.

Chapter 2. The need for CHCEs and reviews of similar concepts

According to Maslow (1970), human motivation is related to happiness, harmony, self-achievement, self-esteem, respect of others and well-being. In Korea, this motivation was not a major issue during the periods of rapid economic development and urbanization. Recently, trekking and cycling have become popular with an increase both of income levels and of interest in a healthy life. This reflects as changing society in terms of the leisure cultures in Korea. Furthermore, this societal change has led to demands for leisure spaces in which the natural environment is preserved and the people have opportunities to gain access to leisure and cultural spaces during their free time. We refer to these spaces as 'corridors of human health, culture and ecology (CHCEs).' Various spatial resources can be used as such corridors, such as old paths, riverside roads, disused railroad tracks, coast line roads and narrow village roads. The constructing of CHCEs creates new greenjobs as well as beautifying national lands. In other words, CHCEs can both lead to green activity for elderly and young people and provide new leisure spaces, resulting in the enhancing of human health.